Problem-solving, computational creativity, human creative cognition and spatial cognition are topics often treated separately, despite their major potential for synergies.

Problem-solving has been approached in different ways by artificial intelligence and the study of human cognition. For example, humans face ill-structured problem-solving very often, however processes to tackle such problems, like the use of re-representation, are rarely implemented in cognitive agents.

Computational creativity focuses on building creative artificial systems capable of creative feats similar to those achieved by humans and modes of evaluation that can be used to assess such systems. However, the processes and representations in the field are rarely compared to those used by humans.

Human creative cognition investigates the way humans solve a multiplicity of creative tasks, from the simple (coming up with an alternative use for an object) to the complex (solving insight problems), asking questions about process. However, no tools and frameworks exist for implementing computational approaches to test hypotheses in a unified manner.

Finally, spatial cognition is known to contribute to the development of abstract thought, and have a role in insightful problem solving. However, the role of spatial cognition is rarely studied in conjunction with creativity, and with a cognitive systems perspective, aimed at implementing working models.

The topical focus of this symposium is to bring these disciplines together, by bringing in dialogue specialists from each of the fields, as to produce new theoretical tools, approaches and methodologies for the study of problem-solving, creativity and spatial reasoning in cognitive systems.